What is Asbestos? Asbestos is a naturally occurring fibrous mineral made up of microscopic crystal fibers. Manufacturers and builders use asbestos for its practical properties such as sound absorption, strength, affordability and resistance to fire, heat and electricity. Why Should I be Concerned? The U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) estimates that more than 3,600 various commercial products containing asbestos have been manufactured, sold and used in the U.S. When these products are disturbed, the asbestos fibers become airborne and can remain suspended in the air for hours or even days after they are released. Asbestos fibers can become trapped in the body after inhalation. Asbestos is a known carcinogen. The diseases caused by asbestos develop years after exposure. Where is Asbestos Found? Not all asbestos is banned. Asbestos containing materials (ACM) are still being sold and used. They include, but are not limited to: Insulation (boilers, pipes, ducts, etc. ) Fireproofing, sound proofing and textured ceilings Ceiling tiles Vinyl floor tiles and the backing on vinyl sheet flooring and adhesives Cement roof and siding shingles and panels Textured paint and patching compounds used on walls and ceilings Heat-resistant fabrics Asbestos Activities Georgia's Asbestos Regulations include the: Georgia Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation Rule, Chapter 391-3-14; Georgia Solid Waste Rule, Chapter 391-3-4- .04; and the Georgia Air Quality Control Rule, Chapter 391- 3-1. The EPD Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos Program is responsible for enforcing Georgia's Asbestos Rule requirements, including: reviewing project notifications and inspection and compliance of said projects; licensing the asbestos removal company and their Primary Agent; conducting outreach and education; and developing technical guidance. Visit epd.georgia.gov/existing-rules-andcorresponding-laws for more information. CONTACT US Lead-Based Paint and Asbestos Program 4244 International Parkway, Suite 104 Atlanta, Georgia 30354 https://epd.georgia.gov/asbestos Duty Officer 404-363-7026 Mon-Fri 8am - 4:30pm Feb 2019 Asbestos Rule Renovation and Demolition Requirements for Georgia Projects Georgia Asbestos Rule The Georgia Asbestos Removal and Encapsulation Rule, Chapter 391-3-14 (Asbestos Rule), includes requirements to be complied with before, during and after the disturbance of asbestoscontaining materials (ACM). The purpose of the Asbestos Rule is to protect public health and the environment by minimizing the release of asbestos fibers when properties containing ACMs are renovated, maintained or demolished. Are New Properties Excluded? No. It is still legal to manufacture products with ACM, therefore there is no exclusion date in Georgia's regulations for properties of any age. Do I Need an Inspection? Prior to demolition, yes. Prior to renovation or ACM abatement (removal), yes, unless all of the material is presumed to be asbestos-containing and is handled as such. You cannot presume the material to be nonasbestos containing. A thorough inspection must be performed by an accredited Asbestos Inspector and should include a report which identifies all ACMs in the facility that might be disturbed during the renovation or demolition. Asbestos Removal Requirements Any ACM found during the inspection that is friable or potentially friable, and that might be disturbed during the renovation or demolition, must be removed by a Georgia-licensed asbestos removal company prior to the work commencing. If asbestos is present and not removed prior to disturbance, the contractor and property owner carry equal responsibility. Renovation Renovation is altering a property or one or more facility components in any way, including the stripping or removal of friable or potentially friable ACM from a component. A renovation could be, but is not limited to, any interior renovation or remodel not affecting load-bearing members or roof replacements. Renovation/Abatement Project Notification A Renovation/Abatement Project Notification must be submitted to the Georgia Environmental Protection Division (EPD) no less than 10 working days prior to the start of work if 10 square feet or 10 linear feet or more of friable or potentially friable ACM is to be removed. If demolition activities are to be performed after renovation/abatement activities, a separate Demolition Project Notification must be submitted. Demolition Demolition is the wrecking or taking out of any loadsupporting structural member of a facility, such as beams and load-supporting walls, together with related handling operations, or the intentional burning of any structure. Demolition Project Notification A Demolition Project Notification must be submitted to EPD no less than 10 working days prior to the start of the demolition, regardless of the presence or absence of ACM. If renovation/abatement activities are performed prior to demolition, a separate Renovation/Abatement Project Notification must be submitted. Asbestos Disposal Requirements All ACM waste is regulated whether friable or non-friable and must be: Packaged properly in leak-tight containers. Labeled as containing ACM prior to transport. Transported in an enclosed vehicle. Accompanied by a manifest during transport. Disposed of in a landfill permitted to accept ACM waste. Disposal rules apply to any quantity of ACM. Training and Licensing Everyone involved in an asbestos removal project must be trained per Federal requirements. The asbestos removal company must be licensed in Georgia and must assign a Primary Agent (project supervisor). How Do I Submit Notifications or Apply for a License? You must create a Georgia EPD Online System (GEOS) account to access and submit the online forms. Visit: geos.epd.georgia.gov/ga/geos/public. For a step-by-step account creation guide, visit: epd.georgia.gov/asbestos. Disclaimer If you or your firm perform renovation or repair work, including asbestos removal, on target housing (built before 1978) or child-occupied facilities (schools, daycare centers, etc. built before 1978), then you and your firm are required to become a GA-Certified RRP Firm & Renovator to "advertise to, agree to or perform" work or services on these types of facilities. Refer to Georgia's Lead Renovation, Repair and Painting (RRP) Rule for more detail.